CLASSY AND FABUOUS... COMFORT ZONE EDITION WITH SO KATE

I don't know if you've noticed but I kind of wear different variations of the same thing pretty much everyday. It usually revolves around some kind of t-shirt, pants, flip flops now that it is summer, and some fabulous accessories. I challenged myself to get out of that box when I impulsively bought these shoes. Since I was on a roll, I selected a few things from this fabulous little boutique, So Kate, that I really absolutely love.

I decided the perfect time to try this new look for myself was this weekend for date night. On the way to the airport to pick up my husband, I called my mom and immediately said... I'm wearing heels and I'm calling you so you can convince me to keep them on. (I totally had my trusty flip flops on the seat next to me... you know... just in case!) I proceeded to tell her that they were amazing shoes but they made me Amazonian-woman-tall. (Sidebar... I'm normally tall. Like 5'-9-1/2". But with these babies on I swear I was close to 6'.) I told her that not only did I love the shoes, but the whole outfit! I was loving the shirt and the necklaces. I loved how different and "dressed up" I felt compared to what I normally wore. (I know in reality I wasn't that dressed up... baby steps here baby steps.) But I still wasn't "comfortable" I guess.

She gave me the best advice. She told me not to let it be the topic of conversation for the night, not to even bring it up. Wear the outfit like it was a normal thing, nothing out of the ordinary. If Jonathan comments, just smile and say something like, "Oh you like the shoes? Thanks!" or "You like this gorgeous shirt? Thanks!" Just own it!

shirt: c/o so kate // shirt: h&m // pants: h&m // necklace: c/o so kate and urban outfitters // shoes: target

I realized as the night progressed that by not talking about it, the uncomfortableness that originally was there, was gone. It felt normal... no... it felt FABULOUS! I absolutely loved it! I felt like a million bucks. And I loved it. I loved wearing the heels. I loved the absolutely gorgeous shirt. I adore the necklace (especially layered!!) And you know what? There was absolutely zero awkwardness or uneasiness. I WORE that outfit and guess what... I'm totally going to wear it again!!!

So thank you Mom... and Target... and So Kate... you guys totally and completely rock my world!

SOME THOUGHTS ON FATHER'S DAY... AT THE SHORE!

I've been trying for the past day or so to try and put my thoughts into words but I can't seem to get there. I'm going to try my very best though...

Father's Day... what an interesting day I tell you. As a child it was that one day where Dad got to call all the shots, he got to decided what we had for dinner and what game we played. It was the day we all gave him something a little special and a special hug. Now though, as an adult, with my own children and married to the father of my children, it has taken on a whole different meaning.

Through the years, I have come to realize what it takes to be a good father. I can express nothing but gratitude and love for my own father. He taught me what a good father is all about. He showed me through his example what a father should do and what a father is responsible for. His example is what helped me to realize what I was looking for when searching for the father of my future children. I never realized it though. I never realized the example that was set for me, the standard that was established. I didn't realize either that subconsciously I found those very same characteristics in the man who is now the father of my precious babies.

I watched yesterday though, Father's Day, with my heart full of love and gratitude for the man I can proudly say is my eternal companion and father of our children. He is a wonderful example of a father. There is nothing like seeing the man you love with all your heart being that father you've hoped for to your children. You think you love him with all your heart until you see him digging in the sand with your two year old or carrying a 35 pound toddler and a stroller across the sandy beach so you can console your very tired baby girl... then a love begins that is nothing like anything you've experienced. A different love that makes your marriage and family complete. How grateful I am for the relationship, the love, and the support that comes from being married to a man who is an incredible father.

So today, a day late, I have come to realize why Father's Day is such an incredible holiday. Next year... next year we'll be ready for it!

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KIMONOS... MY NEW SUMMER OBSESSION // FALLING FOR FRIDAY

Summer is in full swing and I am in need of the perfect "something" to replace my winter wardrobe necessity, the cardigan. I've seen these fabulous kimonos all over lately and am LOVING them as the perfect light and airy accessory for the summer. Sounds like an impeccable replacement for me, right??

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6

Plus, who wouldn't love something with these patterns? I mean look at the gorgeous colors, patterns, and TASSELS! AH! How I love tassels... Can't you just see these thrown on over a swimsuit headed to the beach, or paired with a simple over sized white t-shirt and a pair of skinnies, or even with a long maxi or pair of cut offs? What can I say... the perfect summer must have I've decided.

Which one is your favorite? Would you wear one of these kimonos?

and now... you're turn!! What have you been obsessing over this week?

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DEAR MS ALI GIRL // HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Oh Ali dear, how I miss you! You are an incredible friend, fabulous sister, special aunt, and a beautiful lady. You always know just what to say to bring a smile to my face. You are always up for something fun. You are always willing to be such a help with my babies. Pretty much I just love it all! 

You've grown into such a beautiful fabulous and fun lady... I just know you are going to have an absolutely marvelous birthday my sister. So here's to you... Happy 19th Birthday sweet thang!!!

DEAR CHRISTOPHER // A LETTER TO MY BOY

We spent the afternoon washing the car the other day. As I sat there watching you play with the water and soap, I realized... you aren't a baby anymore. You are turning into a little boy right before my very eyes. A little boy with an imagination, an opinion, a hilarious sense of humor, and some serious willpower, independence and determination.

I'm not particularly sad about it though. Honestly I am absolutely loving watching you grow. I love watching you learn and discover. I love that you have your own opinions and thoughts about things. I love that you want to be independent (well usually I like that part.) I love that you can talk more and want to tell me all about any and everything. I love that you want to show me all your treasures and things you find (even if it is a live spider or booger... both of which have been handed to me in the past week.) It is absolutely amazing to me how much you have learned and blossomed over the past few weeks

You are so stinking silly too. You like to do this thing when you see me looking right at you... you look right smack into my eyeballs and get this little glimmer in your eyes. You keep eye contact with me, slowing raise your shoulders, grin from ear to ear, and move your head towards mine until our foreheads are touching. Then you laughs hysterically and pull away. It is almost as if you are peering into the depths of my soul... or you are just fascinated with discovering that eyes are used for seeing things.

Your determination and willpower though are going to be the death of me. I am serious. You are more determined than anyone I have ever met. You will wait... and watch... and plan... and scheme until just the right moment to do whatever it is you want to do and know you shouldn't be doing. For example, as I take Mikah up for a nap, you sit on the sofa playing and watching Tangled (your current favorite), wave "night-night" to your sister, and watch me walk up the stairs. The moment I'm out of sight, you jump up, grab the car keys, and take off out the back door to play in the car. Talk about frustrating! You won't give up either. Doesn't matter where those keys go, you find them! (You're a tad obsessed with cars... okay SERIOUSLY obsessed!!)

But you are my boy and I love you oh so dearly. You keep me on my toes but bring me such happiness that can't be explained when your little arms wrap tight around my neck or your little face lights up when you see me and exclaim, "MAMA!" Goodness you sure know how to melt my heart little one.

DIY // CUSTOMIZABLE FRAMED HAND PRINTS

Is there anything more adorable than little baby hand prints? I really don't think there is. They are one of the most precious things and totally something you don't ever want to forget, am I right??

Today, I have a fun, easy, fast little project to help you capture those sweet little hand (or feet) prints! So if you are looking for a last minute Father's Day gift, or birthday present, or just a super easy project to do one afternoon, this would be perfect!

My favorite part about it? It is sentimental but can be coordinated with any decor at any time or even coordinated with the seasons if you so desire simply by changing the background! Brilliant right?? Plus I do love all the layers in the piece. It brings a certain level of interest to the project I think. So without further ado, I present to you, Customizable Framed Hand Prints!

SUPPLIES

Picture frame with a mat (complete with glass or plexiglass)

Patterned paper or photo

Paint

Paint brush

Masking Tape

Pen (Archival is best... especially for something you want to last awhile)

INSTRUCTIONS

Let's start with the hard part... the hand prints. I highly recommend applying the paint to your child's hand with a brush instead of dipping it in. You will get a lot less paint on the hand and therefore achieve a better hand print than the alternative.

The easiest way is to put a little dab of paint on a piece of paper or plate, apply the paint to your child's hand, then quickly push their hand DIRECTLY ON THE GLASS. That's the fun part really... the hand print is right on the glass. This is what allows you to change the back ground out whenever you would like.

Be careful as you push their hand though because the surface of the glass is a little slick and their little hands can slide, smudging up the print. If you do happen to smudge it up, you can always clean the glass and start over! (Sorry... no pictures of the actual printing process... I was lucky to get my two year old to work with me let alone get a photo of it!)

Now, while your hand prints are drying, cut down your paper (or photo) to fit the mat. I used an 8x10 mat with a 5x7 opening. To get the part of the pattern on the paper you want in the opening, put a small piece of masking tape on two sides, hover the mat over the paper until you have it where you want it, then push the mat down into place.

Once you have the paper in place, tape all sides down completely. You want to cover all the edges so there will be no bubbling or movement in the paper.

Using your archival pen, write a little message including your babies name and the date somewhere on your mat. I wrote my children's names, ages, and the date along the bottom edge of mat opening.

When your hand prints are dry, put the frame back together! Glass first, with the hand prints on the inside of the frame so nothing can happen to them (like being scratched or rubbed off), then the mat, and the back of the frame.

Ta-da! Simple as that... to change the background, quickly pull the frame apart and replace the paper! Easy as that!

And there you have it, super adorable, simple way to archive and display those precious little hands (and feet, of course!)

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